TromboneChat

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I mentioned that I have a Humes & Berg Stonelined Cleartone tenor trombone mute. It's in my mute collection, but ... I've never found the right occasion to use it, nor can I compare it to other Softone-style mutes. I tried it a couple of times in my Dixieland ensemble, but it's not right there - too soft, wrong sound (for my taste).

Mine is well-used, so probably a few decades old. Have no idea to date it or compare it to more recent production.

Anyone that's interested should buy and try.

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Loaned my Cleartone to another trombonist, so not available now.

In what context do you think you would use a Cleartone? Solo? Ensemble?

How do others use these mutes?

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Tubaaiyue wrote: Sat Feb 14, 2026 6:20 pm

Posaunus wrote: Sat Feb 14, 2026 10:29 am Loaned my Cleartone to another trombonist, so not available now.

In what context do you think you would use a Cleartone? Solo? Ensemble?

How do others use these mutes?

I think there are several usage scenarios for solotone：one is to play solo, such as in "Song of India", and the other is to play together with four others in a large band, as in "At Last". The third role might be to serve as accompaniment for singers in musicals. As for the fourth role... I can't seem to think of any others . By the way, Posaunes, how is the compatibility of your 79h when using Cleartone?

• No one has ever asked me to solo in "Song of India."

• I played "At Last" tonight in a big band with 3 other trombonists - no need for Cleartone mutes. (Hardly anyone else has them anyway!)

• I've never had a singer who wanted to be accompanied by a Cleartone-muted trombone.

Conclusion: Cleartone applications are not non-existent, but pretty rare these days. Perhaps China is different?

• Conn 79H is one of the last places I'd ever think to use a Cleartone.

Want a versatile mute? Check out a Salt Shaker!
https://s-mute.com/collections/trombone-mutes

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